Shoulder

The shoulder is the most mobile joint major joint in the body. It is prone to certain injuries because of this mobility. It is also prone to injuries from trauma, and can develop osteoarthritis. The most common shoulder problems can be managed non-surgically but sometimes non-surgical care doesn’t provide lasting relief and surgery becomes indicated.

Common shoulder conditions managed by Dr. Akinbo:

Rotator cuff syndrome
Shoulder instability
Shoulder arthritis
Shoulder fractures

Rotator Cuff Syndrome

Rotator cuff syndrome refers to various conditions that affect the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons about the shoulder that contribute to shoulder motion and strength. Conditions that can affect the rotator cuff range from bursitis, tendonitis, impingement, partial or full thickness rotator cuff tears. Any of these conditions can cause pain and limitations with shoulder functioning. Other symptoms can include loss of motion, and loss of strength. Physical examination, x-rays, and an MRI can help make a specific diagnosis. Rotator cuff syndrome conditions can be managed with physical therapy, medications, rest, and cortisone injections. If no lasting relief, surgical management can be considered. This can be performed arthroscopically or with open procedures depending on the pathology. For more information on rotator cuff tears, click here. For more information on rotator cuff repair, click here. For shoulder exercises, click here.

Shoulder Instability

The shoulder is a very mobile joint and is susceptible to dislocation. Dislocation can occur from trauma, or minor falls. When the shoulder dislocates/pops out of place, it can tear ligaments or other soft tissues structures around the shoulder. It can also cause fractures of the shoulder. These injuries can cause weakness, loss of strength, pain, and a persistent sense of the shoulder trying to pop out again. Depending on the activity level, age, and number of dislocations, a shoulder dislocation can be managed non-surgically or surgically. Surgical management is usually recommended for younger people as the shoulder is prone to re-dislocation in the younger, active patient. Surgical management could involve fracture fixation, repair of ligaments or other soft tissues in the shoulder to include the labrum.

Shoulder Arthritis

Arthritis can affect the ball and socket of the shoulder joint. Arthritis results in damage of the cartilage in the shoulder that allows for smooth and painless motion. This can occur from trauma or wear and tear of the shoulder. When shoulder arthritis develops, it can be managed initially without surgical intervention. Non-surgical measures can include physical therapy, pain medications, activity modification, and cortisone injections. If persistent pain, despite non-surgical care, patients can consider surgical management. This can be a total shoulder replacement or reverse shoulder replacement. A total shoulder replacement is indicated in cases of shoulder arthritis without significant rotator cuff tear. A reverse shoulder replacement will be considered in cases of significant rotator cuff tear or shoulder arthritis due to rotator cuff disease. Shoulder replacement surgeries reliably restore good pain control, and functional motion.